Episode 901 - Savior Review




"Savior" Review

Written by Scarlett

DISCLAIMER - Please remember that this review does not represent the opinions/viewpoints of everyone; it is the personal opinions of the reviewer only. Thank you.

Savior tried to set up the storylines for the upcoming season. However, it was a jumbled mess. There was too much focus on supporting characters, too many storylines crammed into one episode, and not enough focus on Clark Kent. At times, it felt like an ongoing montage of five minute preview trailers. Although Tom Welling did an excellent job in portraying Clark as more proactive and heroic than ever, it was not enough to save this season premiere from being anything other than average. Due to the mediocre dialogue and bad editing, it was all flash and no substance.

Tom's Performance: Tom did an excellent job of portraying Clark at a crossroads in his life. He owned every scene he was in, and he left this viewer wanting more scenes that featured him. It seems nearly impossible, but Tom gets better looking each year. He was absolutely gorgeous, and the new hairstyle looks great. It was also exciting to see Tom's name listed as Co-Executive Producer in the beginning credits.

The Good:

Clark Kent: It's always great to see a heroic, proactive, confident Clark. He was saving people, watching over the city of Metropolis, and even holding his own in his conversations with the AI Jor-El at the Fortress. And, he definitely didn't turn his back on humanity either, or he would not be saving all those people.

The Suit and the "S" Symbol: The new suit works in this version of the story, and at this point in Clark's journey. Besides, the traditional Superman costume has needed an update for quite awhile now. There's still time for Clark to add a little red and blue to it. Clark leaving the "S" symbol seems a little strange for the future Superman, but he is embracing his Kryptonian heritage now, and working through the best way to fulfill his destiny.

Special Effects: The special effects were surprisingly good, including the scene with Clark catching the monorail train in mid-air. The scene with Clark standing on top of the Statue of Liberty was also a cool scene, and it's a shame it was just a mental exercise from the AI. The fight sequence with Clark and Alia was also done well, including Clark dodging a deadly disk in slow motion. In addition, there was a distinct comics feel to this episode, with the skyline of Metropolis in the background as Clark stood watching over the citizens below him.

Clark and Alia: Some of the most intriguing scenes featured Clark and Alia, the fighter from the future. They fought as equals, but there was also an underlying feeling between them that suggests they were once close in some way. Alia was wearing Jonathan's watch, and she tenderly touched Clark's face and apologized to him, before she died. It will be interesting to find out more about their relationship.

Clark, Lois, and the Blur: Did the Blur confide in Lois about something on the phone? And, why didn't Lois ask Chloe about Clark in the hospital? The squeaky chair scene with Lois and Corben could have been included in the next episode and didn't really add to the main storyline.

Lois visions of the future: This was yet another scene that left viewers guessing, as Lois had visions of one year into the future with Clark possibly wearing Zod's symbol; Tess kneeling before Zod; Oliver digging a grave; Chloe dying; and an intimate sexual scene with Clark and Lois. Can Clark prevent most of these events from happening?

Chloe and Dr. Hamilton: Both actors played nicely off each other, and it's useful to have a research scientist on the show now who knows about Clark and the Justice League.

Mixed Reactions:

Zod and Tess: Both actors did a good job and it's great to finally have a complex villain who is not a poor, woobie victim. Although it was important to include this storyline, too much time was spent trying to explain details about Zod's army for this episode.Who was the voice in the Orb, if it wasn't Zod? Why does his army only remember giving blood and nothing else?

Clark and AI Jor-El: As usual, the AI Program rambled on with nonsensical advice to Clark that basically was against the very nature of Superman. It's still unclear why Clark would want to go to training with this sadistic, cryptic computer program. Why would the AI tell Clark to sever ties with humanity? Why would he tell him this was necessary to complete his training? It's possible that the AI is trying to guide Clark to finding that balance between his Human and Kryptonian sides. If so, then why not just say so?

Clark and Chloe: As usual Tom and Allison did a good job in their scenes together, but the dialogue was terrible. First, Chloe said she agreed with Clark on the Daily Planet roof: "It isn't about what we want Clark. It's about what the rest of the world needs". And, then a few minutes later, she asked Clark to turn back time to save Jimmy for her. Huh? It's understandable that Chloe was upset about Jimmy, but it's never a good idea to have a character flip-flop her stance like that. And, it's unclear what Chloe has given up for Clark too.

John Corben: While Brian Austin Green did a good job, again, he wasn't really needed for this episode. His scenes would have been better in the next episode about metallo.

New opening credits: Although it was nice to include some new scenes in the opening credits, new photos of the regular actors is long overdue.

The Bad:

Lame excuse why Clark can't fly: Yet again the AI Jor-El computer program shared advice that didn't really make any sense. It told Clark the reason he can't fly is because "he still sees himself as human". Clark has never seen himself as human for eight seasons now. In fact, in past seasons, he talked about wanting to be human instead, and what it would be like to be human. Clark has always known he was different and an outsider to some extent. That has been the basis of the show. Why give such a lame excuse like this? Why compare him to Kara, which was insulting? Why not just let him fly? If there's inadequate budget, he doesn't have to fly every episode.

Lois as Clarks' Link to Humanity: Since when did Clark fall in love with Lois? It's fine to show that Clark is starting to realize his feelings for Lois, but would they really interfere with his training? And, no one person is Clark's tie to humanity. What about Martha and his friends? No one person should be credited with that. Superman cares about ALL humanity, based on being raised as a Human. He has human emotions. It is this paradox, a Kryptonian by birth, and a Human the way he was raised, that makes Superman so unique. Again, please don't make Clark all about one relationship on this show. He is much more than that. Clark was wearing his father Jonathan's watch in this episode. That says a lot about Clark and his link to humanity.

Oliver Queen: Oliver seemed forced into this episode and wasn't really needed. He would be better as a guest star on this show rather than as a series regular. What does he really have to do with Clark's journey? The fight club scene with Oliver and Lois was just silly, with Lois prancing around in that costume. Couldn't this scene also have waited until a later episode?

My rating? I give "Savior" 3 out of 5 stars.

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